The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Protest in Akure over killing of four farmers by suspected herders

    Protest in Akure over killing of four farmers by suspected herders

    • Ondo hotelier assassinated

    Angry farmers yesterday stormed the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital to protest the killing of four farmers by gunmen suspected to be herdmen.

    Bodies of the victims were dumped on the streets adjacent to the Governor’s Office by the protesters.

    The farmers were said to have been killed in the morning at Thirteen-Thirteen Farming Settlement at Ajagbusi, Ala Elefosan in Akure North Local Government Area.

    No fewer than 17 farmers have been killed in the axis in the last three months; five farmers last month at ‘Aba Oyinbo Farm Settlement.

    The protest left many motorists stranded as the protesters barricaded the roundabout leading to Oda Road and the Governor’s Office.

    Head of Adeshina Community, Olu Taiwo Samuel, said: “Three farmers were killed in the Thirteen Thirteen Camp in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan in Akure North Local Council. They were on their way to the farm this morning (Tuesday) when the Fulani herdsmen attacked them and shot them. One person was also killed two days ago.

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    “We purposely brought their bodies to Alagbaka for everyone to see what we are facing.

    “The killing of our people by these herdsmen is becoming too much. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa promised us that the place will be fully secured after the last incident. With this latest development, the government must allow us to secure ourselves.

    “It is disheartening that the government will continue to allow these killings to be going on. What we are certain about is that if we should defend ourselves and kill the attackers, we will be arrested and taken to Abuja.

    “During the late former governor’s administration, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, this kind of thing was not rampant, but with the current governor, everything has gone awry. We are tired of these continuous killings; we can no longer sleep in our communities.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Klass Five Hotel, Adesoji Johnson Adeleye, has been assassinated.

    Adeleye was killed in the earlier hours yesterday at his Arakale residence, Akure.

    A close friend of Adeleye, who pleaded not to be named, said they were together on Monday night and that Adeleye was stabbed several times by his killers.

    Ondo Police spokesman, Alexander Olayinka, who confirmed the incident, said the case had been ordered transferred to state Police headquarters for investigation.

    “Mr Governor should help us and stop these killings. People that are being killed are humans, not goats. More than 20 farmers have been killed in the past month.”

    Ondo Police spokesman, Alayande Olayinka, said tactical teams had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy and ensure the perpetrators were arrested.

  • Why I’m rejecting NES award, by Basiru

    Why I’m rejecting NES award, by Basiru

    National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has rejected the award of Excellence in Leadership to be conferred on him by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Osun State chapter.

    He accused Osun State Government of manipulating NES, following the abrupt postponement of the award, due to what he described as undue political interference and manipulation by the state government.

    NES had in a letter dated 7th April, 2025 signed by its Chairman, Prof. Adeleke Aremo and Secretary, Adewale Sam-Aliyu, informed Basiru of the postponement of the award slated for April 11, hinging their decision on unexpected turn of events, logistic and security complexities. No new date was fixed.

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    Faulting the postponement and rejecting the award, Basiru in a letter signed by his Special Adviser, Legal and Political Strategy, Othuke Amata Aso, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, said the society had compromised the integrity of the award.

    Basiru criticised the NES for what he described as an unprofessional communication regarding the “postponement” of the ceremony, calling the letter “convoluted” and “hastily prepared.”

    Expressing dismay at the abrupt cancellation of the award, which was labelled a “postponement,” Basiru said the April 7 letter was lacking coherence and clarity.”

    The APC national secretary alleged external interference as the primary cause for the cancellation of the award ceremony.

    According to him, “sources within the ranks of the NES, Osun chapter revealed that the pressure to cancel the award ceremony came from the Osun State Government, specifically Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    “The real reason for this shameful retreat is the undue pressure and shenanigans exerted by the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Adeleke, on the leadership of your society.”

    The APC secretary accused the Osun State administration of lacking excellence and being politically motivated, specifically calling out what he described as “mediocrity” and “cheap politicking” on the part of the state’s leadership.

    Basiru, who initially hesitated to accept the award due to his skepticism towards honorary awards, accepted it after encouragement from well-meaning colleagues and friends.

    He has, however, rejected the recognition, saying the actions of NES Osun State chapter represent “a stain on its reputation” and a “disservice to the very ideals it purports to champion.”

    Basiru advised NES Osun State chapter to find a way to redeem itself and rise above political influence, reinforcing that merit should not be “subverted by the whims of those in power.”

  • Oyo Assembly approves council budget to enhance accountability

    Oyo Assembly approves council budget to enhance accountability

    Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the 2025 capital budget proposals of the 33 local governments.

    The approval, imperative ahead of the proposed local government financial autonomy, followed yesterday’s report of the House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours.

    The committee’s Chairman, Mr Olatunde Akintunde, representing Lagelu Constituency, presented the report to the house.

    The approval is aimed at streamlining the expenditure of the 33 councils for accountability, enabling them to deliver on their mandates.

    The committee urged the local governments to adhere to the approved capital expenditure to ensure compliance with the Constitution and the Local Governments Law.

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    The committee recommended workshops on budgeting and budgetary control for local government chairmen and management officials, to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

    It said the state assembly and the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON) should oversee the organisation of the advised budgetary workshop.

    Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin described the approval as a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

    “As the chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, this is the narrative we are pushing across the country in preparation for the proposed financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria,” he said.

  • Adeleke seeks UK subnational investment

    Adeleke seeks UK subnational investment

    Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday at the House of Common in London urged the United Kingdom government to focus on subnational investment in Nigeria with emphasis on Osun State, which he called the heartland of Southwest.

    He spoke at an investment working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Florence Eshalomi, attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd and other private sector representatives.

    Adeleke said: ‘’This is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations.’’

    He said the uncertainty in the global economy called for more partnerships between and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

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    “Besides bi-national collaboration, we advocate a further linkage between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria. The openings and prospects are too much to be ignored,” the governor added.

    Making a strong case for Osun State as an investment destination, he noted that “Osun presents a rare opportunity for such an economic partnership. Osun State with a population of about five million people is the heartland of Yoruba people. Southwest comprises six states, but Osun State is at the core.

    “We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy and others. We have a well-trained labour force and a commendable investment environment.

    “Osun boasts of being the most peaceful state in the country with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45 window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes.

    “Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. An added advantage is our well-developed business community organised under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”

    Adeleke said Osun government had reduced the state infrastructure deficit by over 50 per cent, promising that by the 2025 intervention plans, the deficit reduction was targeted to be over 70 per cent.

    Responding to the address by the Governor, the UK Prime Minister Envoy expressed delight at the progress recorded by Osun State Government in the areas of attracting foreign direct investment.

    She noted that the current global uncertainty provided incentive for new investment focus, identifying key positive indices that drove investment as noted in the governor’s address.

    Eshalomi said she had the mandate of the UK Prime Minister to forge closer links for investment between UK and Nigeria businesses, expressing happiness that Osun State Chamber of Commerce was represented at the meeting.

    She acknowledged that Osun had done the spade work in the area of regulatory environment, ease of doing business, investment protection and reliable investment partners, pledging to ensure positive outcome on the engagement between Osun and the UK government.

    The major highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for investment facilitation between Osun State Government and a UK investment facilitation firm, ESG Management Services UK Limited.

    The MoU was signed on behalf of Osun State Government by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, while Francisco Toju Da-Silva signed for the ESG team.

    Members of Osun State Government who accompanied the governor include the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. Prof Moruf Adeleke; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Tola Faseru; Special Adviser to the Governor on SDG, Bamikole Omishore; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Yetunde Esan; Vice- President, Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

  • Minister felicitates Alaafin

    Minister felicitates Alaafin

    Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on his ascension to the throne as the 46th Alaafin.

    In her congratulatory message, Musawa acknowledged the significance of the coronation and staff of office, which represented the pinnacle of traditional leadership and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

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    According to a statement by the media aide to the minister, Dr Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, the minister prayed for wisdom as well as a long and fruitful reign.

  • Alaafin Owoade extends olive branch to contestants

    Alaafin Owoade extends olive branch to contestants

    …Be courageous, prayerful, ex-CAN president urges monarch

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has appealed to members of the royal families, particularly those who contested the throne with him, to support, collaborate and work together with him to take the ancient Oyo town to an enviable height.

    Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Supo Ayokunle, enjoined the Alaafin to be courageous and always seek divine guidance on the throne, in order to surmount impending obstacles.

    The duo spoke on Sunday during the coronation thanksgiving service held at the Anglican Cathedral Church, Esiele in Oyo town.

    Oba Owoade, who said until his announcement as the Alaafin, he never met nor had any relationship or rapport with Governor Seyi Makinde and or Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, noted that he did not lobby for the position, but only relied on the will of God to emerge for the people.

    He emphasised the place of unity, saying in unity lied the strength and togetherness devoid of bickering and acrimony.

    The monarch said: “I swear with my life that I neither knew nor met both the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu before my appointment as the Alaafin of Oyo.

    “I never knew I would be the next Alaafin of Oyo, as I was neither desperate nor cutting corners in order to become the Alaafin at all costs. It was the will of God.

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    “I extended my hands of fellowship to those we contested together for the stool, to join hands with me in the name of God, in transforming our town to an enviable height.

    “Let us remember that united we stand and divided we fall. In unity lies the strength and togetherness devoid of bickering and acrimony. We will successfully accomplish the arduous task ahead.”

    Oba Owoade craved the loyalty and support of the people for the throne.

    Dr. Ayokunle, delivering his sermon titled: “Reigning to lead Oyo and Yoruba people to prominence”, said courage and bravery were essential qualities of a good leader, adding that the two qualities were imperative to be demonstrated in the pursuit of justice, freedom and other noble causes for peace, progress and development.

    The former CAN president, who described Alaafin Owoade as “a divinely ordained paramount ruler”, likened his journey to ascension of the throne to that of King David in the Holy Bible.

    The cleric says the primary assignment of the new Alaafin is to ensure Oyo gets to the promised land.

    Oba Owoade was accompanied by his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi. Others on the entourage included some members of the Oyo traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), the Saamu and the Agba Akin, Baba Iyaji of Oyo (head of royal families in Oyo town), elevated Baales to Part 2 traditional rulers, and Owoade families.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of a customised Holy Bible to Alaafin Owoade.

  • Tertiary institution workers give Aiyedatiwa 14-day ultimatum to pay minimum wage

    Tertiary institution workers give Aiyedatiwa 14-day ultimatum to pay minimum wage

    The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of staff unions in Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions has given a 14-day ultimatum to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to implement the national minimum wage for workers in the state’s higher institutions.

    It said failure for Governor Aiyedatiwa to act within 14 days could result in industrial action and disruption of academic activities in tertiary institutions in the state.

    Institutions to be affected by the industrial action are Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo,

    The threat to embark on industrial action was contained in a letter addressed to Governor Aiyedatiwa and signed by representatives of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP).

    They said they had been unjustly excluded from the wage structure already enjoyed by core civil servants.

    In the letter, JAC said the continued neglect of tertiary institution workers in the implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage and related salary adjustments were frustrating.

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    The letter said the exclusion had caused hardship and financial strain on members.

    Other demands by JAC were incomplete payment of arrears from the 2019 minimum wage and wage award payments.

    The letter said: “Previous meetings with the governor’s representatives and a communiqué issued in February have yielded no meaningful response.

    “We demand immediate payment of withheld subventions dating back to January 2017, full implementation of the approved 2025 budgetary allocations and the settlement of unpaid pensions and gratuities for retired workers.

    “This fight is not just about wages, but justice, equity and the dignity of labour.”

  • Pa Senbanjo for burial May 1

    Pa Senbanjo for burial May 1

    • Abiodun, Dangote, Otedola, others condole with family

    Burial arrangements have been announced for the late elder statesman, Pa Oluwole Senbanjo, who died on April 5. He was 92.

    Prominent Nigerians, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote and business tycoon Femi Otedola are among those that have been trooping in to commiserate with the Senbanjos.

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    The late Pa Senbanjo was the father of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ogun State and the Regional Director of Seymour Energy Consulting, OmoOba Segun Senbanjo.

    Born on July 20, 1932, the deceased began his career in the early 1960s at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later worked as an accountant with the Federal Mortgage Bank and International Telecommunications and Telegraph (ITT) in the 1960s and 1970s.

    Pa Senbanjo is survived by eight children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    The burial, which is scheduled for May 1, will hold by 11am at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

  • SADI, Oguntoyinbo Foundation empower youths in Oyo town

    SADI, Oguntoyinbo Foundation empower youths in Oyo town

    The Seyi Adisa Development Initiative (SADI Nigeria) has partnered with the Oguntoyinbo Foundation to provide comprehensive vocational and technical skills training to young people in Oyo Town. 

    The impact-driven collaboration was aimed at combating youth unemployment and fostering financial independence.

    The empowerment initiative includes training in web designing, bag making, shoe making, leather works, hair care and beauty, cakes and confectioneries, digital marketing entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy and life-building skills, to equip participants with tools needed for independence and sustainable livelihoods.

    In an effort to further promote entrepreneurial ventures, the Oguntoyinbo Foundation provided start-up equipment to outstanding beneficiaries, enabling them to launch their businesses and contribute positively to their families, communities and local economy.

    The initiative, which was carried out in two phases, not only focused on technical and vocational training but also emphasized leadership development and personal growth.

    Beneficiaries of the program were integrated into the iLead Leadership Program, and also trained on life building skills which aims to enhance their leadership skills, sense of responsibility, enhance their self- esteem, self awareness, assertiveness, and goal-setting abilities. 

    The programme, which provides invaluable business, leadership, and personal development skills, also highlights importance of entrepreneurship, community engagement, and digital transformation in today’s evolving economic landscape.

    The Programme Manager at SADI Nigeria, Adelayo Adeyemo expressed gratitude towards the collaboration, saying the empowerment will reduce poverty in Nigeria.

    “In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1 and 8. At SADI Nigeria, we are committed to creating opportunities that enable young people to thrive.

    “We look forward to further collaborations that will drive sustainable empowerment for youth across Nigeria.

    This milestone represents significant step in youth empowerment and calls for more partnerships aimed at creating long-lasting, impact in youth development sector in Nigeria,” he said. 

  • Olunloyo shaped future leaders, strengthened institutions — Ex-Oyo commissioner Akanbi

    Olunloyo shaped future leaders, strengthened institutions — Ex-Oyo commissioner Akanbi

    A former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Waheed Akanbi, has paid tribute to the late former governor of old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, describing him as a visionary who influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions across Nigeria.

    Akanbi made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, while reacting to the passing of the former governor, who died in the early hours of Sunday. 

    Olunloyo, notably the first Ibadan indigene to serve as governor, held office briefly between October and December 1983.

    He commended Olunloyo’s outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, noting that his intellectual contributions left a lasting impact on governance and education in the country.

    Reflecting on his short-lived tenure, Akanbi said Olunloyo’s leadership was defined by foresight and depth, describing him as “a reservoir of knowledge in both modern and indigenous science.”

    “Dr Olunloyo will be celebrated in academic circles for his brilliance and foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory. As an educator, he profoundly influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions. 

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    “Olunloyo’s tenure as Governor of the old Oyo State, though his time in office was brief, his tenure was marked by exceptional vision and leadership.

    “The demise of this illustrious son of Ibadan is sudden to me despite his old age, I’m not a person given to emotions but the death of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo took the sails out of me because we were planning to celebrate his 90th birthday, Alas, it dawn on me we have lost a gem – an intellectual passè of the highest order.

    “A very brilliant man, simple yet beneath that mien is a powerful and articulate mind that cut across all strata of life. A reservoir of knowledge both modern and native science. Someone who sees tomorrow today. One of my political mentor is gone.

    “I am not crying neither would I mourn but would celebrate him with a bottle of very cold Star or Heineken beer for a life well spent. He was a jovial man. Sieve through his library, I’m damn sure he predicted his last moments on Mother Earth.

    “I recall his advice to me during the the Ladoja impeachment period. He call me about 3 am and asked where I was. Emphatically, he said I should stay away from the Secretariat Agodi that morning and if I have to go to office I should ensure I have a female buba, iro and gele. That pave my way for escape from battle field Secretariat that morning.

    Sleep well Baba. May your soul rest in peace”.